Equipment Rental Costs & Estimating Guide for Contractors (USA)

Equipment rental can make or break your margin—especially when delivery fees, minimum day rates, damage waivers, fuel, and downtime aren’t priced correctly. This category helps U.S. contractors estimate equipment rental costs the right way, with practical guides for common job types and tools. You’ll learn what to include in your bid (rental duration, pickup/delivery, consumables, operator labor, and contingency), how to apply markups fairly, and how to prevent change-order headaches when schedules slip. Whether you’re quoting a small install or a multi-day job, these articles are built for working pros who need fast, accurate numbers—not DIY guidance.